JP2004104346A - Server apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a server apparatus which even an external terminal allows to make printing by utilizing electronic mail. <P>SOLUTION: A storage section 13 of a server 1 stores printer information 14 cross-referencing electronic mail addresses of printers 2, 3 and a print section 15 and them. For example, when e.g., the external terminal 6 transmits electronic mail of a print request to the server 1 through the Internet 5, a communication section 11 receives the electronic mail. A control section 12 collates a destination address with the printer information 14, when the destination address includes the electronic mail address of the printers 2, 3 or the print section 15, the control section 11 instructs the printers or the print section 15 corresponding to the destination address to make printing. Thus, the external terminal 6 utilizes the printers 2, 3 and the print section 15 to make printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a server device that receives at least an electronic mail.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of network technology in recent years, the exchange of e-mails has become active. The e-mail is transmitted from the source to the mail server, transferred between the mail servers as necessary, stored in the mailbox of the mail server that controls the destination address, and distributed according to a request from the destination. The mail server used at this time has a function of relaying (transferring) an e-mail between other mail servers and a function of a mailbox for storing the e-mail in order to realize the above-described functions. I have.
[0003]
On the other hand, a network-compatible printer that can be used by connecting to a LAN or the like has been developed, and information is generally transferred from a terminal device on the LAN to the printer and printed out. However, information to be printed cannot be sent unless the printer is in a ready state, such as when the power of the printer is not turned on. For example, if an attempt is made to use a printer device from a terminal device that is remote from the printer device, an error may occur or transmitted information may be lost depending on the state of the printer device. For this reason, it has not been possible to transmit only information to be printed for the time being.
[0004]
There is also a problem that a printer device cannot be used from a terminal device that is not directly connected to the LAN. For example, when trying to use an in-house printer device from outside using a portable terminal, direct access to a device on a LAN from the outside is often restricted, and at present, it is difficult to directly use the device. is there.
[0005]
In the above-described e-mail, information can be delivered to a device on the LAN by connecting a mail server to the LAN or by accessing an external mail server from a terminal device on the LAN. In addition, it is possible to use for the time being transmission regardless of the state of the destination terminal device. However, conventionally, as described above, the mail server is not provided with a function for performing printing, and therefore, it has not been possible to print out from a printer device using an e-mail.
[0006]
For example, Patent Document 1 has a function of printing out a received e-mail. However, in this technique, the printout cannot be designated at the source of the e-mail, and the printout is performed solely on the basis of the received facsimile machine. The recording output is also specified in the transfer setting information in the facsimile machine on the receiving side. Further, the printout uses a print function provided in the apparatus, and cannot use an arbitrary printer.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-186321 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a server device that can print out from outside using electronic mail.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a server device, comprising: a communication unit that performs communication including reception of an e-mail; a storage unit that stores an e-mail address and a printer device in association with each other; When an electronic mail address of the apparatus is included, a control means is provided for controlling the printer corresponding to the destination address to instruct the printer apparatus to print information in the electronic mail. In this way, by associating a specific e-mail address with the printer device, a printout can be performed, for example, by sending an e-mail from the outside to the specific e-mail address. Also, for example, an electronic mail can be transmitted even when the printer is not in the ready state, and information to be printed can be transmitted regardless of the state of the printer.
[0010]
Further, a print unit capable of printing out information may be provided therein. The print unit and an e-mail address are stored in association with each other, and the destination address of the received e-mail is stored in the print unit. When an e-mail address is included, it can be configured to be printed out by the printing means.
[0011]
Further, the control means can be configured to, when receiving the e-mail for the inquiry about the printer information by the communication means, return the information on the printer device or the printing means stored in the storage means by the e-mail. As a result, available printer devices and printing means, their e-mail addresses, printing capabilities, and the like can be acquired externally and used when sending e-mail for printing.
[0012]
Furthermore, various instructions for printing can be included in the e-mail for printing. For example, designation of the number of copies, designation of confidential print, and the like can be instructed. Further, for example, time designation for printing can be made possible. In the case where the time is specified, it is possible to output the data to the printer or the printing means corresponding to the destination address after the specified time has arrived.
[0013]
In addition, in order to prevent a print request from a third party, for example, a password may be included in the e-mail for printing, and the e-mail may be authenticated before printing.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a system including an embodiment of the server device of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a server, 2 and 3 are printers, 4 is a LAN, 5 is the Internet, 6 is an external terminal, 11 is a communication unit, 12 is a control unit, 13 is a storage unit, 14 is printer information, and 15 is a print unit. It is. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the printer 2 and the printer 3 are connected to the LAN 4 together with the server 1. Also, it is configured to be able to send and receive e-mail to and from the external terminal 6 via the Internet 5. Of course, the LAN 4 does not need to have a printer, and one or three or more printers may be connected. In general, various network devices such as terminal devices are connected to the LAN 4.
[0015]
Here, the server 1 functions as a mail server, receives an e-mail sent from a client in the domain or another mail server via the LAN 4 or the Internet 5, stores and manages the e-mail for each destination address, and Deliver e-mail. In particular, when the destination address of the received e-mail includes an e-mail address for printing and outputting, a function for instructing the printer or the printing unit 15 corresponding to the e-mail address to perform a print instruction is provided. I have.
[0016]
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the server 1 includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, a print unit 15, and the like. The communication unit 11 communicates with various devices on the LAN 4, for example, the printers 2 and 3 via the LAN 4. In addition, communication is performed with the external terminal 6, other mail servers, and other various network devices via the Internet 5 via a gateway (not shown) or directly.
[0017]
The control unit 12 performs various controls in the server 1. In particular, according to the present invention, as described above, when the destination address of the received e-mail includes an e-mail address for print output, printing to the printer or the print unit 15 corresponding to the e-mail address is performed. Control for giving an instruction is performed. As will be described later, an e-mail address for printing out from the printer 2, the printer 3, or the print unit 15 in the server 1 is set and stored as printer information 14 in the storage unit 13. In accordance with the setting, if the destination address of the received e-mail includes an e-mail address to be printed out, a print instruction is issued to the printer or print unit 15 corresponding to the e-mail address. The information to be printed may be any information, such as information described in the body of the e-mail or information of an attached file, or information specified by a file name or a WWW address described in the e-mail. Can be.
[0018]
Further, in the e-mail for such print output, various kinds of setting information that can be set to the printer or the print unit 15 for print output can be instructed, and the control unit 12 receives this information. , And can be instructed to the printer or the printing unit 15 in addition to the print instruction. For example, various settings such as a copy number setting and a paper setting, which are generally performed at the time of printing, and various specifications such as a print time specification and a confidential print specification can be received. For example, if the print time is specified, the control unit 12 instructs the printer or the print unit 15 specified by the destination address to perform print output after the specified time has elapsed. If a confidential print designation has been made, a print instruction is not sent unless a predetermined operation is performed after receiving the e-mail. Alternatively, when print output is performed to a printer having a confidential print function, the confidential print may be instructed to the printer.
[0019]
Further, the control unit 12 can be configured to have a function of providing information on a printer or a print unit 15 capable of performing print output by e-mail as described above. For example, when an e-mail including an inquiry destination address is received, information on an available printer or print unit 15 is sent as a reply mail. The information on the printer may include various functions and states such as black and white or color, usable paper size, and the like, in addition to the e-mail address corresponding to the printer or the print unit 15. Further, as described above, information capable of displaying the setting screen may be included in the information on the printer and returned so that the function can be easily designated at the time of the print request.
[0020]
Furthermore, the control unit 12 can be configured to perform authentication when receiving a print request or an inquiry about printer information as described above. For example, an e-mail address and a password for authentication are registered in advance in association with each other. When an e-mail for a print request or an inquiry for printer information is received, a password for authentication is obtained from the e-mail, and authentication is performed by collating the password with the password associated with the address of the sender of the e-mail. be able to. Of course, the authentication method is arbitrary, and various known authentication methods can be applied. By performing such authentication, it is possible to eliminate a print request from a third party or a request for an inquiry about information about the printer, and prevent unauthorized use of the printer and information about the printer by the third party. it can.
[0021]
The storage unit 13 stores information that needs to be stored in the server 1. For example, the received e-mail is stored. The storage unit 13 stores printer information 14. In the printer information, at least an e-mail address corresponding to each of the printers 2 and 3 and the printing unit 15 is registered. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the printer information. In the example shown in FIG. 2, as a specific example, the printer 2 is a printer corresponding to the electronic mail address “abc@xxx.com”, and the printer 3 is a printer corresponding to the electronic mail address “def@xxxxxx.co.jp”. And a printer unit 15 as a printer corresponding to the e-mail address “ghi@xxx.co.jp”. Of course, the same printer or print unit 15 may be associated with a plurality of e-mail addresses. Further, in a case where printout is always performed by a plurality of printers or the like, a plurality of printers or print units 15 may be associated with one e-mail address.
[0022]
In the example shown in FIG. 2, only the e-mail address and the information of the printer or the print unit 15 as the output destination are shown, but various other information can be registered as printer information. Alternatively, information of each of the printers 2 and 3 and the printing unit 15 may be separately registered.
[0023]
In the printer information 14 shown in FIG. 2, an e-mail address used for inquiring information about the printer from outside is also registered. As for the e-mail including the e-mail address as the destination address, the information about the printer is returned by the control unit 12 as described above.
[0024]
In addition, as described above, when performing authentication when receiving a print output request or a printer information request, the storage unit 13 stores information for performing the authentication, for example, the e-mail address of the sender. The correspondence between the password and the password is also stored. Of course, the storage unit 13 can also store various other information.
[0025]
The printing section 15 is a printer section provided inside the server 1, and can print out various information in addition to printing out based on an e-mail whose e-mail address of the printing section 15 is specified. . The printing method is optional. It is also possible to configure without providing the print unit 15. Alternatively, they may be configured separately and connected via an interface different from the LAN 4, for example, a parallel interface such as IEEE1284, a serial interface such as IEEE1394 or USB, or various interfaces such as infrared rays and wireless.
[0026]
Next, an example of an operation of an example of a system including an embodiment of the server device of the present invention will be described. Here, a description will be given on the assumption that printout is performed from the external terminal 6 via the Internet 5. Of course, it is also possible to print out from a terminal on the LAN 4 in the same manner.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an operation in an example of a system including an embodiment of the server device of the present invention. Here, before instructing printing from the external terminal 6, information about the printer is acquired. To this end, in (1), an inquiry e-mail is transmitted using the e-mail address used to acquire information about the printer from the external terminal 6. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an inquiry e-mail. The specific example shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where the e-mail address for inquiry is “printer_info@xxxx.com”. In addition, “Search Printer Info” is written in the subject (Subject) field to inform the server 1 that information on the printer is to be acquired. This subject column can be used as a description column for an inquiry command to the server 1. Alternatively, it may be described in the text. The last line describes a password for authentication (PASSWORD =). The password for authentication may be included when authentication is performed in the server 1, and is unnecessary when authentication is not performed. Of course, the e-mail shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and an arbitrary description format can be applied. The e-mail of such an inquiry is delivered to the server 1 according to the destination address.
[0028]
Upon receiving the e-mail, the server 1 refers to the destination address and determines whether or not the registered e-mail address exists in the printer information 14 stored in the storage unit 13. In the printer information 14 shown in FIG. 2, since an inquiry e-mail address is registered, it is understood that the received e-mail is an e-mail for making an inquiry about information about the printer. If the inquiry e-mail address is separately stored without being registered in the printer information 14, it may be determined separately whether the inquiry e-mail address is included in the destination address.
[0029]
If an e-mail address for inquiring of information about the printer is included in the destination address, a password is obtained from the e-mail as necessary, and authentication is performed. If the authentication is successful, the server 1 returns information on the printer ((2)). If the authentication fails, an e-mail rejecting the request may be returned. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of a response e-mail of information on a printer. In this example, for three printers (including the print unit 15), an e-mail address (Address) and an installation location (Location), color or black-and-white (Color), a printing method (Type), and usage are used when the printer is used. Information about the printer such as possible paper sizes (Paper) is included. Such information on the printer can be returned to the request source. Of course, the information on the printer to be returned may include various information other than the information on the printer shown in FIG. 5 and may be appropriately selected. Further, information required at the time of inquiry may be set.
[0030]
The external terminal 6 receives an e-mail including information about the printer returned from the server 1. The information on the printer includes an e-mail address for using the printer and various other information on the printer. Using this information, an e-mail for a print request having an e-mail address corresponding to the printer to be used as a destination address is created. Note that, in this e-mail, for example, the number of prints, the time, the confidential print, and other various specifications are specified. Also, a password for authentication and the like are included as necessary. Then, the created print request e-mail is transmitted ([3]).
[0031]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an electronic mail for a print request. In this example, information on various settings is described in the text, and the information to be printed is an attached file. In this example, “def@xxxxxx.co.jp” is specified as the destination address (To column), and a request is made to print out by the printer 3. The settings in this example are (1) to (4) indicated by arrows in the figure, and (1) is a password for authentication (PASSWORD =). (2) is time designation (DATE =). In this example, 15:00 on March 15, 2001 is designated. (3) is a confidential print designation (SECURITY PRINT =), which is "OFF" in this example, so that confidential print is not performed. (4) designates the number of copies (COPIES =). In this example, it is designated that five copies are printed. In FIG. 6, the contents of the attached file are partially omitted.
[0032]
Returning to FIG. 3, the print request e-mail transmitted from the external terminal 6 is delivered to the server 1 via the Internet 5. The server 1 refers to the destination of the received e-mail, and performs collation with the printer information 14 stored in the storage unit 13. When an address registered in the printer information 14 is included as the destination address, the output target such as the printers 2 and 3 or the print unit 15 corresponding to the address is specified. In addition, a password is obtained from the e-mail as needed, and authentication is performed. At this point, a confirmation mail indicating that the print request e-mail has been received may be returned to the external terminal 6 ([4]). FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an e-mail for confirming reception. This example shows a case where an e-mail requesting a print request as shown in FIG. 6 has been received, and a message stating that "Your request was accepted." A message is sent back.
[0033]
Of course, the reception confirmation e-mail is arbitrary, and may be configured, for example, when the return of the reception confirmation e-mail is set. In particular, when print output is suspended, such as time designation or confidential printing, this reception confirmation e-mail may be returned. In the case where print output is rejected, for example, when authentication fails, an e-mail rejecting the request may be returned.
[0034]
Further, if various settings for printing are made in the received e-mail, the settings are analyzed. For example, when the time is specified, the print output is suspended until the set time comes. Also, when confidential print is designated, print output is suspended until a predetermined operation is performed. Further, when the printers 2 and 3 or the printing unit 15 are not in a printable state, the status is held.
[0035]
When these holdings are not performed, information to be printed together with various settings at the time of printing in the e-mail is sent to the printer or the printing unit 15 specified by the destination address, and printed out. In addition, items that have been put on hold are identified in the same manner when the conditions to be put on hold have been resolved, such as when the set time has arrived, when a predetermined operation input has been performed, or when the obstacle has been cleared. The printer sends various settings and information to be printed to the printer or the printing unit 15 and prints out the information. Note that print output can be performed via each printer driver. When the external terminal 6 has a printer driver, the received information may be passed to the printers 2 and 3 or the printing unit 15 as it is.
[0036]
For example, when an e-mail requesting a print request as shown in FIG. 6 is received, the time is specified, and after the specified time has arrived, the contents of the attached file of the e-mail are copied to the printer 3. To print out. The printer 3 is specified by specifying “def@xxxxxx.co.jp” as the destination address (To column), and is determined by referring to the printer information 14 as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In this example, the content to be printed out is sent as an attached file, but may be the content in the text, for example. Alternatively, when a file name or an address on the network is designated, the designated file or content is acquired and printed out to the printer or the printing unit 15 corresponding to the destination address.
[0037]
After the print output is completed, an electronic mail for notifying the result of the print output may be returned ([5]). FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an e-mail notifying the completion of print output. This example shows an example of an e-mail returned when printing is completed based on the e-mail of the print request shown in FIG. Of course, the content of the message may include various information such as the number of print pages in addition to the completion message. It should be noted that whether or not to return the notification of the print output result is arbitrary, and can be performed as needed or according to settings.
[0038]
In this way, it is possible to print out from the printers 2 and 3 and the printing unit 15 from the external terminal 6 not connected to the LAN 4. At this time, since the e-mail is used, a print request can be transmitted regardless of whether the printers 2 and 3 and the print unit 15 are in a printable state. For example, even when the power is not turned on, a print request can be made in advance. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to transmit information to be printed out from an outside destination by e-mail for the time being.
[0039]
In the above-described example, the information about the printer is requested, and the print request is made after receiving the information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the e-mail addresses corresponding to the printers 2 and 3 and the printing unit 15 and other If information on the printer is known in advance, there is no need to request and obtain information on the printer. For example, if e-mail addresses corresponding to the printers 2 and 3 and the print unit 15 are registered using the address book function, when a print request is made, an e-mail for the print request is sent using the registered e-mail address. Can be easily sent.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to print out using an e-mail, and for example, to print out from outside. At this time, for example, a print request can be made by e-mail without worrying about whether or not a printer to be printed out when the e-mail is transmitted is available. Further, it is possible to provide various additional services, such as time designation, which are not provided when using a normal printer. Further, it is possible to configure so that information on available printers can be acquired from outside. According to the present invention, various effects are exerted as described above.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system including an embodiment of a server device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of printer information.
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation in an example of a system including an embodiment of the server device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an inquiry e-mail.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of a response electronic mail of information regarding a printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of a print request electronic mail.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an e-mail for confirming reception.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example of an e-mail notifying of print output completion.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Server, 2, 3 ... Printer, 4 ... LAN, 5 ... Internet, 6 ... External terminal, 11 ... Communication part, 12 ... Control part, 13 ... Storage part, 14 ... Printer information, 15 ... Printing part.

Claims (5)

Communication means for performing communication including reception of an e-mail; storage means for storing an e-mail address in association with a printer; and a case where the destination address of the e-mail received by the communication means includes the e-mail address of the printer. A control unit for controlling a printer corresponding to the destination address to issue a print instruction. Further, there is provided printing means capable of printing out information, wherein the storage means stores an e-mail address and the printing means in association with each other, and the control means sets the destination address of the received e-mail to 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein when the electronic mail address includes the e-mail address of the printing unit, the printing unit controls the printing. 2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the communication unit receives the e-mail for the inquiry about the printer information, the control unit returns the information about the printer device or the printing unit stored in the storage unit by the e-mail. Alternatively, the server device according to claim 2. If the destination address of the received e-mail includes the e-mail address of the printer or the printing means, and the time is specified in the e-mail, the destination is set after the specified time has arrived. 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein output is performed to a printer device corresponding to the address or to the printing unit. When the destination address of the received e-mail includes the e-mail address of the printer or the printing unit, the control unit obtains a password for authentication from the e-mail and performs authentication, and the authentication is successful. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the server device is controlled to issue a print instruction in such a case.

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